Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has welcomed Darren Bent's call-up to the England squad for Saturday's friendly against Brazil.
Bent, who has scored eight goals in 12 appearances since joining the Black Cats from Tottenham during the summer, has been called into Fabio Capello's squad for the high-profile game in Qatar, much to Bruce's delight.
The Wearside boss has been calling for Bent's inclusion – only his second time during Capello's reign – since the in-form striker was omitted from the squad which contested September's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.
"Darren's a top lad with an immaculate work-rate on and off the pitch and it's a testament to his record and attitude that Mr Capello has decided to add him to the squad," said Bruce.
"If you look at the number and type of goals he's scored this season, it shows what a well-rounded player he is.
"When we first signed him, I was amazed at his natural ability in front of goal and said to myself 'this lad's going to be a top player for this club, that's for sure'.
"The fact he's kept going after not making other squads shows the type of lad he is and I'm absolutely over the moon for him."
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Yip, you can’t argue with Bent’s goal-to-game ratio.
He should be in the England squad.
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